Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to reshuffle his cabinet on Monday, a move prompted by the sudden resignation of Minister Steven Guilbeault. The ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
Resignation Triggered by Pipeline Agreement
The catalyst for Guilbeault's departure was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the federal government and Alberta. The agreement, inked on Thursday, aims to advance the construction of oil and gas pipelines to the British Columbia coast. For Guilbeault, a former environmental activist, this policy direction was a step too far.
In a public statement, Guilbeault reaffirmed his core belief that environmental issues must remain a top priority. He expressed his strong opposition to the MOU, which he believes contradicts the fight against climate change. He will remain as the Member of Parliament for his Montreal riding.
A Heated Caucus Meeting Preceded Exit
Sources indicate that Guilbeault's resignation followed a "heated" and "drama-filled" Liberal caucus meeting. The minister was reportedly "very upset" over the pipeline deal, which signals a potential rollback of policies he championed.
The MOU could lead to the weakening or removal of key environmental measures, including the ban on oil tankers along northern B.C.'s coast and other legislation restricting pipeline development and fossil fuel investment. Guilbeault also criticized the plan to exempt Alberta from upcoming clean electricity regulations, calling it a "serious mistake."
Filling the Vacant Roles
Monday's cabinet shuffle is expected to focus primarily on filling the positions left empty by Guilbeault. He held two significant roles: Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and the crucial post of Quebec lieutenant. The Quebec lieutenant acts as the prime minister's chief advisor on matters pertaining to the province, making it a key appointment for maintaining political support in Quebec.
From Activist to Cabinet Minister
Steven Guilbeault's political career is deeply rooted in environmental activism. Originally from La Tuque, Quebec, he co-founded Equiterre and later led climate change campaigns for Greenpeace.
He became known for headline-grabbing protests, including scaling the CN Tower in Toronto in 2001 to unfurl a banner criticizing North American governments over the Kyoto Protocol. Another notable stunt involved an attempt to install solar panels on the Calgary home of former Alberta Premier Ralph Klein.
After entering federal politics in 2019, he was appointed Environment Minister by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2021. Prime Minister Carney moved him to the Culture portfolio in a cabinet shuffle earlier this year, a move now seen as a prelude to his final departure from the front benches.
